Intro
Discover the 2015 military pay scales, including base pay, allowances, and benefits for active duty personnel, with updates on pay grades, special pays, and compensation packages.
The 2015 military pay scales were a crucial aspect of the compensation package for members of the United States Armed Forces. The pay scales were designed to reflect the various ranks and levels of experience within the military, ensuring that personnel were fairly compensated for their service. In this article, we will delve into the details of the 2015 military pay scales, exploring the different grades, ranks, and pay rates.
The military pay scales were divided into several categories, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each branch had its own unique pay scale, but they were all based on the same fundamental principles. The pay scales were designed to provide a fair and competitive salary for military personnel, taking into account factors such as rank, time in service, and level of education.
Understanding the 2015 Military Pay Scales

To understand the 2015 military pay scales, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the different grades and ranks within the military. The pay scales were divided into three main categories: enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. Enlisted personnel made up the majority of the military, with ranks ranging from Private (E-1) to Sergeant Major (E-9). Warrant officers were technical experts who held specialized positions, such as pilots or intelligence analysts. Commissioned officers were the leaders of the military, with ranks ranging from Second Lieutenant (O-1) to General (O-10).
Enlisted Personnel Pay Scales
The enlisted personnel pay scales were divided into nine grades, each with its own corresponding pay rate. The pay rates were based on the individual's time in service, with more experienced personnel receiving higher pay. The enlisted personnel pay scales were as follows: * E-1 (Private): $1,515.30 per month * E-2 (Private First Class): $1,699.80 per month * E-3 (Specialist/Corporal): $1,885.50 per month * E-4 (Sergeant): $2,061.60 per month * E-5 (Staff Sergeant): $2,333.40 per month * E-6 (Sergeant First Class): $2,640.30 per month * E-7 (Master Sergeant): $3,013.50 per month * E-8 (First Sergeant): $3,395.40 per month * E-9 (Sergeant Major): $4,136.40 per monthWarrant Officer Pay Scales

Warrant officers were technical experts who held specialized positions within the military. The warrant officer pay scales were divided into five grades, each with its own corresponding pay rate. The pay rates were based on the individual's time in service, with more experienced personnel receiving higher pay. The warrant officer pay scales were as follows:
- W-1 (Warrant Officer 1): $2,791.40 per month
- W-2 (Chief Warrant Officer 2): $3,242.10 per month
- W-3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3): $3,755.40 per month
- W-4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4): $4,292.50 per month
- W-5 (Chief Warrant Officer 5): $5,042.70 per month
Commissioned Officer Pay Scales
Commissioned officers were the leaders of the military, with ranks ranging from Second Lieutenant (O-1) to General (O-10). The commissioned officer pay scales were divided into 10 grades, each with its own corresponding pay rate. The pay rates were based on the individual's time in service, with more experienced personnel receiving higher pay. The commissioned officer pay scales were as follows: * O-1 (Second Lieutenant): $2,934.30 per month * O-2 (First Lieutenant): $3,383.50 per month * O-3 (Captain): $4,144.40 per month * O-4 (Major): $4,851.30 per month * O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel): $5,671.20 per month * O-6 (Colonel): $6,552.60 per month * O-7 (Brigadier General): $7,461.90 per month * O-8 (Major General): $8,445.60 per month * O-9 (Lieutenant General): $9,475.80 per month * O-10 (General): $10,551.90 per monthSpecial Pay and Allowances

In addition to their base pay, military personnel were also eligible for special pay and allowances. These included:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of housing
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of food
- Special Duty Pay: a monthly stipend for personnel assigned to special duty positions, such as pilots or jumpmasters
- Hazardous Duty Pay: a monthly stipend for personnel assigned to hazardous duty positions, such as explosive ordnance disposal or combat zones
Benefits and Privileges
Military personnel were also eligible for a range of benefits and privileges, including: * Health insurance: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for personnel and their families * Retirement benefits: a pension plan and other retirement benefits for personnel who serve for 20 years or more * Education benefits: financial assistance for personnel pursuing higher education or vocational training * Travel benefits: discounted airfare and other travel perks for personnel and their familiesGallery of Military Pay Scales
Military Pay Scales Image Gallery










Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2015 military pay scales?
+The 2015 military pay scales were a set of pay rates for members of the United States Armed Forces, based on their rank and time in service.
How do the military pay scales work?
+The military pay scales are based on a system of grades and ranks, with each grade corresponding to a specific pay rate. The pay rates are based on the individual's time in service, with more experienced personnel receiving higher pay.
What are the benefits of serving in the military?
+Serving in the military offers a range of benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, education benefits, and travel benefits. Military personnel also receive special pay and allowances, such as Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence.
How do I get started with a military career?
+To get started with a military career, you can visit the website of the branch you're interested in joining, or speak with a recruiter. You'll need to meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include being a U.S. citizen, being between the ages of 17 and 35, and meeting certain physical and educational standards.
What are the different types of military personnel?
+There are three main types of military personnel: enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. Enlisted personnel make up the majority of the military, while warrant officers are technical experts and commissioned officers are leaders.
In conclusion, the 2015 military pay scales were an important aspect of the compensation package for members of the United States Armed Forces. By understanding the different grades, ranks, and pay rates, military personnel can better navigate their careers and plan for their financial futures. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments in military pay and benefits. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the 2015 military pay scales and has helped you to better understand the complexities of military compensation. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to reach out. Share this article with your friends and family to help spread the word about the importance of military pay and benefits.